Latest news with #ZacharyYack
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
People Told To Stay out of Lake Michigan Amid 'Life-Threatening' Conditions
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Beachgoers across several states bordering Lake Michigan were warned to avoid the water on Thursday as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a series of beach hazards in response to dangerous waves and life-threatening currents. Why It Matters Lake Michigan remains a popular recreation destination for millions in the Midwest, especially over holiday weekends. Dozens of people drown in Lake Michigan each year, according to the Association of Aquatic Professionals. Beach Hazard Statements and Small Craft Advisories warn not just of inconvenience, but of conditions that have repeatedly proven fatal, reinforcing why these official warnings must be heeded by the public. What To Know Officials warned that northerly winds of up to 30 miles per hour and waves up to 7 feet high posed dangerous conditions to people on Lake Michigan in Lake County in Indiana and Porter County in Illinois. People were urged to avoid swimming and not to venture out onto piers, jetties, breakwalls or other shoreline structures. Lake Michigan waves break in Chicago. Lake Michigan waves break in Chicago. Jose Carlos Castro Antelo/Getty Waves were expected to be slightly smaller in northern and central Cook County in Illinois but were still expected to be as high as six feet. Warnings were in place through Thursday night. "Swimming conditions will be life threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers," the alert issued by NWS Chicago said. A beach hazards statement also warned of dangerous lake conditions in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, forecast area. Along with dangers to swimmers, inexperienced boaters were warned to avoid Lake Michigan because of high waves and strong winds. Conditions are expected to be "hazardous" to smaller boats and were expected to persist until about 1 a.m. local time on Friday in the Chicago forecast region. In addition to the dangerous waves and currents, lake temperatures are in the 50s, posing additional hazards to any beachgoers. What People Are Saying NWS meteorologist Zachary Yack, who works at the Chicago office, told Newsweek: "We get these periods of higher waves and currents anytime we have strong onshore winds here. It's pretty common off and on throughout the summer months. This is the first one of this season." Yack added: "This is the weekend that's the unofficial start of summer for people, so a lot of times people go out to the beaches to get into their summer moods." NWS Chicago in a beach hazards statement: "Remain out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions and do not venture out onto piers, jetties, breakwalls, or other shoreline structures." What Happens Next Beach hazard statements and small craft advisories will remain in effect in affected counties until conditions improve, with the NWS continuing to monitor wind and wave patterns. Updates and additional warnings will be communicated via official channels and local media. Residents and visitors are advised to follow local advisories for the latest updates and to stay clear of dangerous shoreline areas until the all-clear is given.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Chicago weather: Moderate temps for now, more snow possible later
The Chicago area is expected to see moderate temperatures and potential storms next week as snow begins to taper off Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. As the snow starts to ease up, Chicagoans can look forward to warmer temperatures Monday and Tuesday. Monday is expected to see highs around 50 to 55 degrees, while Tuesday may see highs in the low-to-mid 60s, said Zachary Yack, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Wednesday will see similar temperatures in the low 60s but may also see some rain and thunderstorms. Yack said that there may also be potential for that rain to turn into snow Wednesday, particularly during the evening into Thursday morning.
Chicago Tribune
28-02-2025
- Climate
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville News Digest: Will Emergency Management holding preparedness workshop; D203 teachers union PAC makes school board endorsements
Will Emergency Management holding preparedness workshop The Will County Emergency Management Agency will hold a free workshop on preparing for an emergency at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Plainfield Fire District, 23748 W. 135th St., Plainfield. 'When Seconds Matter: Public Preparedness Workshop' is designed to enhance disaster readiness in situations that include severe weather, potential fraud and disasters, a county news release said. National Weather Service meteorologists Zachary Yack and Mike Bardou will discuss advancements in severe weather forecasting. This year marks the 35th anniversary of a deadly F5 category tornado that struck Plainfield with little warning in 1990, killing 29 people in Plainfield, Joliet and Crest Hill, the release said. Other sessions include practical strategies for decision-making under pressure, recognizing and preventing disaster-related scams and a first-hand account of emergency response efforts following the July 2024 tornado in Manhattan, the release said. Registration is required at D203 teachers union PAC makes school board endorsements The Naperville Unit Public Action Committee for Education has endorsed three newcomers in the April 1 election for the Naperville District 203 School Board. The committee, which supports the mission of teachers union Naperville Unit Education Association, endorsed Holly Joy Blastic, Jillian Langer and Marc Willensky after conducting in-person interviews with all board candidates and reviewing questionnaire responses, a news release said. Blastic is an attorney and parent of four district students. She cofounded Moms Demand Action Naperville/Western Suburbs, according to the release. Langer is the mother of two district students and a U.S. Army veteran. She is currently president of the Maplebrook Elementary School Home and School. Willensky is the parent of District 203 graduate, a former certified public accountant and has 30 years of experience in finance, the release said. The committee endorsed the candidates they believe 'will trust educators as experts, demand transparency and who are committed to working together to effectively plan to achieve equitable and high quality education for the success of all students,' the news release said. Five candidates are running for four four-year terms. DuPage offering scholarship for low-income students The deadline to apply for a Community Services Block Grant scholarship offered by DuPage County is 4:30 p.m. May 2. Recipients may be use the money, which starts at a minimum of $500, for tuition, books, supplies and other school-related items, a county news release said. Funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the scholarship is for college and occupational training for low-income individuals with high academic potential who live in DuPage County. Applicants must provide the gross household income for the past 30 days as well as information about members living in the household, the release said. Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Applicants also must submit a 500-word original essay, official school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a financial aid award letter and proof of enrollment in an accredited Illinois institution. Special consideration will be giving to students interested in high-demand fields. Applications are available at the DuPage County Department of Community Services Office, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, or online at www.
